Several new laws go into effect today.
Senate Bill 181, the law that requires school employees to only use traceable systems to electronically communicate with students, goes into effect today. Russell County Schools recently designated the app Parent Square and district email as its designated communication system.
The bill has created some confusion and caused controversy for its broad reach and how it will impact teachers, school employees, and volunteers who work in churches and other community spaces.
Senate Bill 19 will go into effect today for the upcoming school year. The new law will require public schools to hold a moment of silence and reflection for students at the start of each school day.
House Bill 240 will require schools to administer a reading assessment to kindergarten and first-grade students within the final 14 days of the academic year.
Schools have an option to require students to repeat kindergarten if they fail to meet grade-level benchmarks. However, the bill stipulates that a first-grader who fails to meet the benchmarks must repeat the year.
House Bill 342 requires high school students to earn one credit in a financial literacy course before graduation.
House Bill 1 is also now in effect, which cuts the state’s income tax rate from 4 percent to 3.5 percent. However, the new rate begins for tax year 2026.
House Bill 38 creates tougher penalties for people who repeatedly violate protective orders. Offenders could face a class D felony if they violate an order three times within five years and the third violation involves the use or threat of violence.
Senate Bill 63 also goes into effect today, which permits side-by-sides and other ATVs to be street-legal as long as they meet certain qualifications. The vehicles have to be inspected by the sheriff’s office, insured, and licensed by the county clerk’s office.
However, local governments must opt-in to permitting those vehicles on roadways and so far, the Russell County Fiscal Court has not yet approved such a measure.
The state constitution specifies that new laws take effect 90 days after the legislature adjourns unless they have special effective dates, are general appropriation measures, or include emergency clauses.
